Brain & Mental Health

Psychology Research

Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. Hunter researchers in this group study a wide range of topics from developmental trauma, memory, neuro-degenerative disorders, child development, health psychology, cognitive psychology and even personality disorders.

From the development of the brain in early life through to the effects of ageing on the brain and nervous system and all of the cognitive processing and adaptation that happens in between, researchers in this group are working to understand and improve brain function across the whole lifespan.

The ability of the brain to adapt to different situations and life stages is critical in leading a happy and healthy life. For example, self-control in childhood is predictive of physical and mental health in middle age, and poor lifestyle choices in middle age are predictive of risk of cognitive decline in old age.

Researchers in this group also have a particular strength in mathematical modelling and research that integrates behaviour with neuroscience and which makes use of cutting-edge statistical and computational methods.

Social equality, prejudices and stereotyping are also topics of interest for this group who have undertaken studies at Newcastle University and found that lower socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk for depression and anxiety amongst undergraduate students. Work such as this will be used to inform policy and future action to improve the psychological wellbeing of students.